Secrets of a Powerful Tennis Stroke: Physics, and Nothing Else

Background: The present tennis teaching methodology is based on putting together some 10-15 elements that constitute an efficient tennis stroke. Most students fail to achieve impressive results, and they drop out.

Aims: The target was to understand the physics of an efficient tennis stroke and, on the basis of this, to define the actual elements of a stroke; elements that can easily be passed to students.

Method: Over 100 clips of professional players` strokes—forehand, backhand and serve—were examined to identify the basic elements that create the movement and contribute to the speed of a tennis ball. Two elements were identified in the clips: 1) Initiation of the racket movement in a large body, the players torso, and transfer of this movement to the racket, and 2) Acceleration of the racket along the stroke by reduction of the radius of rotation.

The two elements were tested on physical models made of household items. This made an in-depth study of the stroke simple using a regular camera and basic software applications. Similarity between these physical models and players was obvious. Clips of professional players` strokes were examined again. This time the purpose was to confirm that an efficient stroke is a result of the two elements mentioned above and a lack of any them leads to a degradation of a stroke.

Based on these two elements of a tennis stroke, it became possible for the first time to explain the outstanding backhand stroke of Rafael Nadal. In a move completely unique to Nadal, this stroke is a result of a momentary reduction in shoulder width that leads to rocket acceleration.

Results: The tests confirmed the assumption that all fast strokes are a result of a proper initiation of a stroke followed by acceleration of the racket.

Discussion and Conclusions: Mastering the tennis stroke based on two elements holds a significant value for players and coaches alike. These two elements are initiation of a tennis stroke in the player`s upper torso, and transfer of rotation to the player`s wrist holding the tennis racket, and acceleration of rotation by reduction of the radius of rotation along the path. The elements of the stroke can be easily explained to the students. The stroke can be custom tailored for each player according to his or her physique and build, rather than imitating movements of other players, as is commonly practiced today. These same elements can be identified in other sports as well and lead to better technique and, accordingly, results.